Director of Culinary Services

Director of Culinary Services – St. Andrew's Village Location: Aurora, COCompensation: $90k – $97 base + 10% Target Bonus Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; MOD rotation on Saturdays with directors. This position requires availability outside of regular working hours to respond promptly to emergencies by phone and, when necessary, report on-site to resolve critical issues. Discovery Management Group is seeking an experienced Director of Culinary Services to lead all culinary operations at St. Andrew's Village. This hands-on working executive chef leadership role is responsible for menu development, food quality, sanitation, team training, and budget oversight, ensuring residents receive exceptional dining experiences every day. We are looking for a creative, results-driven leader who can: Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations while also cooking and engaging with residents. Develop diverse menus that balance nutrition, cultural preferences, and resident satisfaction. Lead, train, and schedule a high-performing culinary team. Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards through regular audits. Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and cost controls within budget targets. Foster a positive, service-oriented team culture rooted in hospitality excellence. About Discovery Management Group Discovery Management Group is part of the Discovery Senior Living family of companies, a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization that today, ranks among the 2 largest U.S. senior living operators. Discovery Management Group specializes in managing and enhancing senior living communities across the United States. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery Management Group plays a vital role in serving more than 6500 residents nationwide. Your Role: Director of Culinary Services As Director of Culinary Services, you will provide both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership of the Culinary Services Department. This includes responsibility for menu planning, staffing, food quality, safety, and budget performance. You'll play a vital role in resident satisfaction by creating memorable dining experiences while ensuring operational excellence. Responsibilities Lead daily culinary operations while participating in meal preparation and service. Plan and execute menus that meet resident dietary guidelines and preferences. Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation; implement improvements as needed. Ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and dietary standards. Conduct food safety audits and quality assurance checks. Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor contracts. Manage budgets, monitor costs, and take corrective action when needed. Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate culinary staff. Lead orientation and in-service training programs for team members. Engage with residents during mealtimes to ensure satisfaction and resolve concerns. Collaborate with Executive Director and department heads to align food services with community goals. Qualifications Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume, high-standard environments (e.g., country clubs, resorts, cruise ships). Hands-on experience leading kitchen operations, including cooking and staff oversight. Food Safety Certification required. Strong knowledge of sanitation, food handling, and loss prevention practices. Culinary training or certification preferred. Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and vendor management. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems. Experience in senior living culinary services is a plus—but only if paired with demonstrated high service standards. Participation in Manager on Duty (MOD) responsibilities required. Why Join Us? Full benefits package available (medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k, and more) Work in a purpose-driven, resident-first environment Be part of a collaborative and supportive leadership team Make a lasting impact on the lives of residents and families Benefits You'll Enjoy: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay with early access to earned wages, flexible scheduling, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and growth opportunities, meals and uniforms (where applicable), and additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), volunteer time off, and wellness-related benefits. About Discovery Senior Living Discovery Senior Living is one of the largest senior living operators in the U.S., with over 350 communities and 35,000 homes across nearly 40 states. Backed by three decades of award-winning experience, Discovery leads a family of companies—including Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery at Home. With 19,000 dedicated employees and an innovative “Experiential Living” philosophy, Discovery is recognized for its leadership in performance, lifestyle customization, and senior living innovation. Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V A Note to Applicants: This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Agency Policy: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly. Employment Scam Warning: We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information. JOB CODE: 1006974